"This tradition of your Sky family has been held many times," Tyler said calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I have long wanted to come and observe it. Unfortunately, I was busy with cultivation, and the Palace of the Four Cycles had many affairs. I could not spare the time."

He paused, the corners of his mouth lifting faintly.

"However, the Chief Palace Master emerged from seclusion a few days ago. Many burdens were lifted from my shoulders. I finally had some leisure."

"So I came today," Tyler said lightly, "to join in the fun."

"Join in the fun?" Max, the head of the Sky family, laughed as he stroked the small tuft of beard on his chin. His tone was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp.

"Commander-in-Chief, you shouldn't be joking. If you personally participated in our recruitment trial, wouldn't that be too much bullying?"

"Hahaha." Tyler laughed openly.

"Of course I will not participate."

He turned slightly and waved his hand.

"I brought my disciple today. Let him join in the fun."

"Come, Bruce."

The young man behind him stepped forward, posture straight, movements restrained yet confident. He cupped his hands politely.

"Junior Bruce greets the two seniors."

"Disciple?" Max's smile deepened, but his eyes flickered.

"The Commander-in-Chief actually accepted a human disciple. That truly surprises me."

"Race is not an issue," Tyler replied calmly.

"The Palace of the Four Cycles is demon race, your Sky family is human race—yet we cooperate very well, don't we?"

"Of course," Max nodded.

"My disciple has cultivated under me for some time," Tyler continued.

"After decades of tempering, he has entered the Supreme realm. It is time for him to see the world."

"It just so happens," Tyler said, glancing toward the other arena, "that your Sky family is recruiting a son-in-law. Let him gain some experience."

Max and his wife Bella exchanged a brief glance.

In that instant, understanding passed between them.

Experience?

That was a polite lie.

A Supreme at such an age, personally brought by the Commander-in-Chief of Heavenly Palace, this was no casual disciple. This was a chess piece, sharpened and released at the perfect moment.

If Bruce entered the son-in-law recruitment, the outcome would be almost predetermined.

Once he married into the Sky family, Palace of the Four Cycles would have a living eye buried in their core.

Their refining secrets, their internal decisions, their future direction—everything would be exposed.

A slow, bloodless annexation.

Max smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"The Commander-in-Chief's disciple is indeed extraordinary," Max said warmly.

"At such an age, already a Supreme. Truly admirable."

"With his strength, few among the participants would be his match."

He paused deliberately.

"However, the matter of recruiting a son-in-law is not decided by us elders alone. It ultimately depends on my daughter."

"If she fancies someone, that is fate."

"If she does not," Max said gently, "then I can only apologize to the Commander-in-Chief."

Tyler laughed again, but this time the laughter carried a colder undertone.

"Master Max, rest assured. My disciple will not disappoint."

"The third lady," Tyler narrowed his eyes slightly, "will certainly take a fancy to Bruce."

"After all," he added slowly, "where else could you find someone as outstanding as him?"

The implication was naked.

Want it or not—this person was coming.

A flicker of cold light passed through Max's eyes, vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

"Then," Max said with a smile, "I look forward to Bruce's performance."

"Good." Tyler nodded.

"But for now, let us watch this battle."

He shifted his gaze toward the arena where Ethan stood.

"This fox demon is quite interesting. That power he uses… it should be Original Power."

"Original Power is usually cultivated by pure physical cultivators of the human race," Tyler said thoughtfully.

"Yet this man is filled with demonic aura."

"He is likely half-human, half-demon."

In the arena, Ethan slipped past Sasha's flaming sword with ease.

In the span of several minutes, the two had already exchanged hundreds of blows.

Their figures crisscrossed like phantoms. Flame and gold collided again and again, but none of Sasha's attacks landed cleanly.

"So fast… and so calm…"

Sasha gasped softly, sweat beading along her temples.

Her chest rose and fell violently.

"This isn't right."

From the very beginning, something felt wrong.

Ethan's movements looked dangerous—just barely avoiding her strikes each time—but there was no panic, no chaos.

His breathing was steady.

His aura was unwavering.

Every dodge was precise, every step economical.

It was only now, after being locked in battle, that Sasha truly felt it.

He was not struggling.

He was controlling.

She glanced sideways.

The incense burned quietly, its smoke curling upward.

Less than a quarter had been consumed.

Yet her limbs already felt heavy, her blood boiling, her stamina draining rapidly.

"No…" Sasha thought grimly.

"I can't keep this up."

"If this continues, I won't even have the strength to withdraw with dignity."

Her pride burned.

She had given everything, yet she could not even force him to get serious.

After a brief hesitation, Sasha exhaled sharply and withdrew her momentum.

She stepped back, flames dissipating around her body.

She cupped her hands.

"Mr. Ethan," she said clearly, "you win. I concede."

"Thank you, Lady Sasha, for your mercy," Ethan replied with a polite smile, returning the salute.

Sasha froze for a split second.

Mercy?

He was clearly the one overwhelming her.

Yet he still offered her a way down, preserving her dignity.

For reasons she could not explain, her chest tightened slightly.

The surrounding crowd erupted into murmurs.

"What happened?"

"She conceded?"

"They were evenly matched just now!"

"And the incense isn't even half burned!"

Confusion spread across the spectators' faces.

Max frowned slightly.

"This result… was expected," he murmured.

But as an Ultimate Supreme, he saw more than the crowd.

From start to finish, Ethan's aura had not wavered.

Not even once.

Sasha's, on the other hand, had fallen steadily like a collapsing tide.

The difference was obvious—to those with eyes.

"This Ethan…" Max thought heavily, eyes locked on the fox demon's figure.

"He was holding back from beginning to end."

"This Ethan is very skillful and can handle Sasha's powerful attacks with ease."

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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